2004 If You Build It Will They Come Conference – January 28-30, 2004.  The International Economic Development Council’s “If You Build It Will They Come?” conference moves east for the first time to the beautiful Renaissance Vinoy Resort in St. Petersburg, Florida, January 28-30, 2004. The development of sports facilities is on the agenda and is joined by the development of performing arts and entertainment centers and the development of conference and convention centers as key topics. Register online today: www.iedconline.org/IfYouBuildIt/index.html

Attracting and retaining high paying jobs remains a priority for Pinellas County Citizens.  The results of the Pinellas County 2003 Citizen Survey show that 69% of Pinellas citizens rate the attraction and retention of high paying jobs as “very important” or “important.”  Job creation ranked third, behind road congestion and public safety.  The results of the Citizen Survey were presented at the, December 16, 2003, Board of County Commissioners meeting. The Pinellas County 2003 Citizen Survey results will soon be available online at: www.pinellascounty.org

Florida now ranks second in the nation for the number of FDA-registered Medical Device Establishments located in the state.  The state has bypassed New York as a leader in the medical device manufacturing industry, and, along with number one ranked California, continues to gain market share in this leading-edge industry sector.  Pinellas County ranks first in the Florida High Tech Corridor for concentration of Medical Device Manufacturers, with 28% of the firms located in Pinellas.  A total of 136 medical technology companies, employing over 6,000 employees, call Pinellas County home, and the growth of this high-wage industry continues to be a focus of Pinellas County Economic Development.  Learn more about the growth of the Medical Device industry at www.devicelink.com/mddi/archive/03/12/003.html.

Aerosonic Announces New U.S. Army Contract.  Clearwater-based Aerosonic Corporation has announced that it has been awarded a contract from the U.S. Army to overhaul encoding altimeters. The altimeter involved is standard equipment on a wide variety of military aircraft, including both fixed wing and rotorcraft. The first year order is valued at $962,500 and is followed by two option years. The total value of the three-year contract, including the option years, is $4.3 million.  For additional information, visit www.aerosonic.com/pr2003-1124-2.htm